Modular wipe element for firearm noise suppressor

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a modular blast shield and/or compensator assemblies with user-selectable removable/replaceable end cap elements.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/362,759, filed Apr. 11, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to firearm muzzle blast control devices. More particularly, it relates to a modular device with interchangeable end cap elements or assemblies, including one that may contain a wipe element that is capable of being replaced or removed from the end cap assembly without removal of the end cap element.

BACKGROUND

Various devices have been used at the muzzle of a firearm barrel to divert or otherwise control the propellant blast, including to use the forwardly directed blast energy to counteract or reduce felt recoil and/or muzzle lift. These include, for example, blast shields, which can be used with a muzzle brake and may have a ported/perforated forward wall, and compensators, which generally have ported/

perforated sidewalls and a forward wall against which the blast impacts (surrounding a central passage for the projectile). Additionally, muzzle blast can be further affected by use of a “wipe,” which is an elastomeric disc through which a projectile passes and which then substantially reseals to form a barrier. The wipe may be made with a central opening that is smaller than the diameter of the projectile or may be scored, such as with cuts that radiate from a central point substantially aligned with a location through which the projectile will pass. A wipe is a consumable element with a finite life of only a relatively few shots before its wear significantly reduces its effectiveness. The wipe can be replaced inexpensively, but to replace a wipe, disassembly of the end cap from the muzzle device has been required.

Wipes are known in firearm noise suppressors (colloquially known as a silencers), used in a variety of firearms applications such as hunting, self-defense, tactical maneuvering, and military operations. For example, many suppressors currently available for commercial purchase utilize a wipe element including, but not limited to, the Gemtech Aurora II, Dead Air Wolfman, Thompson Machine Neptune9, and Energetic Arms Sonus 9 mm. However, each of the forementioned noise suppressors require removal of the end cap from the suppressor body and subsequent disassembly of the end cap from the rear-facing side of the end cap to access the wipe. The same would be the case for another muzzle device, such as a blast shield or compensator that might employ a wipe. This is a time-consuming and at least potentially laborious task which often unnecessarily exposes the inner workings of the muzzle device or suppressor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the present invention provides modular blast shield and/or compensator assemblies with user-selectable removable/replaceable end cap elements.

According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a forward-facing, modular wipe-retaining element for a firearm noise suppressor. The present invention is comprised of an end cap and a retainer. The end cap is capable of being detachably secured to a front end of a firearm noise suppressor, and the end cap possesses a forward-facing recess with a recess seat, the forward-facing recess being formed by a sidewall or a plurality of sidewalls that extend outward a distance away from the recess seat. The forward-facing recess is shaped to accept a wipe. The retainer is capable of being detachably secured to the sidewalls of the forward-facing recess of the end cap so as to hold the wipe in place during firing.

The present invention allows the user to access and replace (or remove) a wipe element without removal of the end cap. The assembly can be used instead of a “standard” (non-wipe) end cap, or otherwise be assembled onto or made integral with the suppressor body.

Other aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to a person of skill in the art from the detailed description of various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, all of which comprise part of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of blast shield and compensator embodiments of the present invention with removable/interchangeable end cap elements;

FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of an imperforate blast shield embodiment with a perforated or forward ported removable end cap;

FIG. 3 is a side longitudinal sectional view thereof;

FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a perforated compensator embodiment with an imperforate, removable end cap;

FIG. 5 is a side longitudinal sectional view thereof;

FIG. 6 is an isometric exploded view of another perforated compensator embodiment with an imperforate, removable end cap assembly that holds a removable/replaceable wipe element;

FIG. 7 is a side longitudinal sectional view thereof;

FIG. 8 is an isometric partial end view of a firearm noise suppressor with an end cap wipe element according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal side sectional view thereof;

FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view thereof; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded longitudinal side sectional view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawing figures, this section describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. Throughout the specification, reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In view of the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, or the like. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments. As used herein, “firearm” can mean a weapon that uses fixed cartridges, a muzzle-loading weapon, a air gun, or any similar device. “Forward” will indicate the direction of the muzzle and the direction in which projectiles are fired, while “rearward” will indicate the opposite direction. “Lateral” or “transverse” indicates a side-to-side direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the barrel. Although firearms may be used in any orientation, “left” and “right” will generally indicate the sides according to the user's orientation, “top” or “up” will be the upward direction when the firearm is gripped in the ordinary manner.

As used herein, a “wipe” refers to a consumable, flexible or elastomeric wall or disc having a small opening and/or score pattern substantially aligned with the location through which a projectile passes. The wipe temporarily flexes or deforms to allow passage of the projectile and then returns to a condition that effectively closes or minimizes the opening through which pressurized propellant pass and exit the suppressor to prolong the release of such pressure to the atmosphere. As used herein, “tubular” or “cylindrical” means a generally hollow elongate structure with ends that may be circular or polygonal in cross-section.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7 , therein are shown embodiments of the present invention the form of modular blast shields and/or compensators that have either a perforated or imperforate, substantially cylindrical sidewall and a modularly removable or interchangeable forward end cap feature. Specifically, shown are a blast shield body 10 and a compensator body 12. According to known means, these may mount directly to the muzzle of a barrel, by way of an aft end piece or an adapter, or onto an existing muzzle device, like a brake or flash hider (not shown). The attachment of the blast shield or compensator body 10, 12 to the barrel is not critical to the present invention. The blast shield body 10 may be a substantially cylindrical tube with imperforate sidewalls and the compensator body 12 may be a substantially cylindrical tube with sidewall perforations 14. Typically, either of these will use a forward end wall with a central opening 16 positioned to allow a projectile to pass. In the illustrated embodiments, the blast shield may use a forward end cap 18 that has forwardly directed ports 20 radially spaced around the projectile passageway and the compensator may use a forward end cap with only the projectile passageway 16. Modularity of this design allows the user to select whether to use an end cap and/or which type to use, interchangeably. A third alternative end cap assembly 22 provides a replaceable wipe element 24 described in more detail below.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the blast shield body 10 embodiment with the imperforate cylindrical sidewall and modular forwardly ported forward end wall 18. The end wall 18 is removably attached, such as by mating threads 26, 28, to the forward end 30 of the blast shield body 10 and includes a series of forwardly directed ports 20 radially spaced around the central projectile passageway 16. The end wall 18 also includes lugs 32 (recessed or projecting) that can be engaged with either a common or specialized tool (not shown) to aid in installation or removal of the end wall 18 from the body 10. These lugs 32 can be recesses, projections, or a shape (including flats).

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the compensator body 12 embodiment with a perforated cylindrical sidewall and modular non-ported forward end wall 34. The end wall 34 is removably attached, such as by mating threads 28, 30, to the forward end 36 of the compensator body 12 and presents a substantially imperforate wall to receive the force of the muzzle blast around the central projectile passageway 16. As previously described, the end wall 34 also includes lugs 32 (recessed or projecting) that can be engaged with either a common or specialized tool (not shown) to aid in installation or removal of the end wall 34 from the body 12. These lugs 32 can be recesses, projections, or a shape (including flats).

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the compensator body 12 embodiment with a perforated cylindrical sidewall and a forward end assembly 38 that includes an end cap base 40, a replaceable wipe element 24, and a retainer 42. The end cap base 40 includes external threads 28 that are configured to mate with internal threads 26 at the forward end 36 of the tubular compensator body 12. Like the other end walls, 34, this forward end assembly 38 may be selectively interchanged. The end cap base 40 can include external lugs 44 (recessed or projecting) to aid in tightening or removing the threaded engagement between the end cap base 40 and the tubular body 12 by using a common or specialized tool (not shown). These lugs 44 can be recesses, projections, or a shape (including flats).

The forward-facing end of the end cap base 40 includes a recess 46 that receives a consumable/replaceable wipe element 24. The wipe element 24 is at least partially seated on the forward-facing surface of the recess 46 and secured in place by the retainer 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 42 includes external threads 48 configured to mate with internal threads 50 provided in the periphery of the recess 46 of the endcap base 40. The internal threads 50 in the periphery of the recess 46 may also act as a sidewall to secure and further retain the wipe element 24. In other embodiments (not shown), a retainer may be configured to attach to an end cap base externally. The retainer 42 may also include lugs 52 (recessed or projecting) that can be engaged with either a common or specialized tool (not shown) to aid in installation or removal of the retainer 42 without removal of the end cap base 40. These lugs 52 can be recesses, projections, or a shape (including flats).

The wipe element 24 may be fashioned of any suitable flexible or elastomeric material of suitable thickness and durability. A person of ordinary skill in the art is familiar with suitable materials that are sufficiently flexible and durable to be used for this purpose. Typically, the wipe element 24 will include a cross-cut 54 or other perforation/score of some selected shape, size, and design centered substantially in alignment with the path of a projectile exiting the firearm barrel. This facilitates smooth passage of a projectile through the wipe element with reduced damage thereto, although the wipe element 24 is considered a consumable/replaceable part.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , as illustrated, the modularity of the invention allows a user to select from a choice of body styles (perforated 12 or imperforate 10) for different purposes to be paired with a choice of forward end wall styles (solid wall 34, wall 18 with forwardly directed ports 20, or an assembly 38 with a replaceable wipe 24) for different uses.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11 and according to another embodiment of the invention, therein is shown a firearm noise suppressor 110 with a modular end assembly 112 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The end assembly 112 includes an end cap base 114, a replaceable wipe element 116, and a retainer 118. The end assembly 112 can be used instead of a “standard” (non-wipe) removable end cap (not shown) or may be provided integral with the suppressor 110.

The suppressor 110 may include a body with a tubular housing 120 (as illustrated) with separate baffles stacked inside (not shown). The baffles are not illustrated herein because their various forms and function are well understood by a person of ordinary skill in this art and form no part of the present invention. Alternatively, the body of the suppressor 110 can be a tubular housing 120 encasing a unitary or monolithic baffle, or it may be a baffle unit that does not require an outer tubular housing.

In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap base 114 includes external threads 122 that are configured to mate with internal threads 124 at the forward end of the tubular housing 120 in place of the “standard” (non-wipe) forward end cap (not shown). In other embodiments (not shown), the end cap base 114 may be integral with or secured to the forward end of the tubular housing 120 via permanent fixation methods such as welding, soldering, adhesive, or the like. The end cap base 114 can include external lugs 126 (recessed or projecting) to aid in tightening or removing the threaded engagement between the end cap base 114 and the tubular housing 120 by using a common or specialized tool (not shown). These lugs 126 can be recesses, projections, or a shape (including flats).

In the illustrated embodiment, the forward-facing end of the end cap base 114 includes a recess 128 that receives a consumable/replaceable wipe element 116. The wipe element 116 is at least partially seated on the forward-facing surface of the recess 128 and secured in place by the retainer 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 118 includes external threads 132 configured to mate with internal threads 134 provided in the periphery of the recess 128 of the endcap base 114. The internal threads 134 in the periphery of the recess may also act as a sidewall to secure and further retain the wipe element 116. In other embodiments (not shown), the retainer 118 may be configured to attach to the end cap base externally. This type of attachment configuration could be via threading, welding, soldering, liquid adhesive, or any other type of suitable means of securement such as bayonet-style lugs or other “quick detach” methods. The retainer may also include lugs 136 (recessed or projecting) that can be engaged with either a common or specialized tool to aid in installation or removal of the retainer 118 without removal of the end cap base 114. These lugs 136 can be recesses, projections, or a shape (including flats).

The wipe element 116 may be fashioned of any suitable flexible or elastomeric material of suitable thickness and durability. A person of ordinary skill in the art is familiar with suitable materials that are sufficiently flexible and durable to be used for this purpose. Typically, the wipe element 116 will include a cross-cut 138 or other perforation/score of some selected shape, size, and design positioned substantially in alignment with the path of a projectile exiting the suppressor 110. This facilitates smooth passage of a projectile through the wipe element 116 with reduced damage thereto, although the wipe element 116 is considered a consumable/replaceable part.

In prior art suppressors that use a wipe, at least partial disassembly of the suppressor 110 (e.g., at least removal of the end cap) is necessary to replace the wipe element. This is because the wipe is only accessible either inside the suppressor body 110 or via the rear-facing side of the end cap or end cap assembly. Thus, in order to access the wipe for replacement, the user must remove at least the end cap or end cap assembly from the suppressor's tubular housing 120 and/or disassemble the end cap or end cap assembly component parts that secure the wipe in place.

The threaded connection between an endcap and the suppressor tubular housing 110 can seize or may otherwise be difficult to disengage after extended use of the suppressor because of the significant changes in temperature and presence of particulate debris in the hot projectile gases trapped inside the suppressor. These propellant gases are deliberately trapped by the suppressor in order to achieve a delayed (or elongated) release—thus reducing the noise signature after firing. Although anti-seize material can be applied to the thread, the seizing and/or difficulty in removing or disengaging the end cap or end cap assembly from the suppressor makes replacement of the wipe laborious and impedes the user's ability to quickly resume use of the suppressor. In the present invention, removal of the retainer 118 is the only step required to replace the spent wipe element 16, as the wipe element 116 is seated on the forward-facing surface of the recess 128 and held in place only by the retainer 118 which is accessible without disassembly of the end cap or end cap assembly of the suppressor. Additionally, the forward-facing nature of the retainer 118 makes the retainer 118 less likely to be affected by seizure or the like, and not requiring the user to open the tubular housing 120, exposing the internal baffle chambers, for replacement of the wipe element 116. This type of exposure could be detrimental to the overall operation of the noise suppressor if the internal baffle chambers are disoriented.

In operation, the present invention allows a user to replace (or remove) a wipe or wipe element 116 from the forward-facing recess 128 without removing the end cap or end cap assembly from the tubular housing 120. The benefits of such an operation are more fully described herein and thus, for the sake of brevity, will not be restated. In order to perform the method of replacing (or removing) the wipe or wipe element 116 from the forward-facing recess 128 of the present invention, the user must remove the retainer 118 from the end cap base 114. This can be done by unthreading the retainer 118 from the end cap base 114. Unthreading may require the use of a bespoke tool that is capable of engaging the retainer lugs 136 (whether recessed or projecting) in order to unthread the retainer 118 from the end cap base 114. The use of a bespoke tool may not be necessary. After the user has unthreaded (or otherwise removed) the retainer 118 from the end cap base 114, the spent wipe or wipe element 116 will be accessible and the user may remove the spent wipe or wipe element 116 using forceps (not shown), tweezers (not shown), or by user manipulation. The user may then insert a new, unused wipe or wipe element 116 into the recess 128. The user should ensure that the wipe or wipe element 116 is situated so that the center-point of the wipe or wipe element 116 is substantially aligned with a central aperture 142 of the end cap base 116. The central aperture 142 is intended to align or closely align with the central, longitudinal axis of the firearm's barrel (not shown). Once the user has ensured that the wipe or wipe element 116 is properly seated within the recess 128, the user may then realign the retainer 118 with the end cap base 114 and rethread the retainer 118 to the end cap base 114 in a way that secures the retainer 118 thereto and holds the wipe or wipe element 116 in place.

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is intended only to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included and considered to fall within the scope of the invention, defined by the following claim or claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular firearm muzzle device, comprising: a tubular body having an open forward end configured to selectively receive one of a plurality of removable/interchangeable forward end walls having a projectile passageway.
 2. The modular muzzle device of claim 1, wherein sidewalls of the body are imperforate.
 3. The modular muzzle device of claim 2, wherein the forward wall is imperforate around the projectile passageway.
 4. The modular muzzle device of claim 2, wherein the forward wall include forwardly directed ports around the projectile passageway.
 5. The modular muzzle device of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls of the body include radial ports.
 6. The modular muzzle device of claim 5, wherein the forward wall is imperforate around the projectile passageway.
 7. The modular muzzle device of claim 5, wherein the forward wall includes forwardly directed ports around the projectile passageway.
 8. The modular muzzle device of claim 1, wherein the forward wall comprises: an end cap base configured to be secured to the front end of the body, the base having an interior side and an exterior side; and a retainer configured to be detachably secured to the exterior side of the end cap to retain a wipe element between the end cap and the retainer.
 9. A wipe-holding end assembly for a firearm noise suppressor having a flexible wipe, the assembly comprising: an end cap configured to be secured to a front end of a firearm noise suppressor, the end cap having an interior side and an exterior side; and a retainer configured to be detachably secured to the exterior side of the end cap to retain a wipe between the end cap and the retainer.
 10. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein the end cap includes a forward-facing recess configured to receive the wipe.
 11. The end assembly of claim 7, wherein the forward-facing recess is formed by at least one sidewall that extends forward away from the recess and the retainer is configured to be detachably secured to the sidewalls of the forward-facing recess.
 12. The end assembly of claim 8, wherein the retainer is secured within the recess.
 13. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein there are threaded connections between the end cap and the retainer.
 14. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein there are threaded connections between the end cap and the suppressor and between the end cap and the retainer.
 15. The end assembly of claim 11, wherein the end cap includes external threads along an outer edge which are configured to detachably secure the end cap to internal threads within a front end of a firearm noise suppressor.
 16. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein the end cap includes a plurality of external lugs for interaction with a removal tool.
 17. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein the retainer includes a plurality of external lugs for interaction with a removal tool.
 18. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein the retainer includes external threads along an outer edge which are configured to be detachably secured to internal threads on the sidewall of the forward-facing recess.
 19. The end assembly of claim 6, further comprising an elastomeric wipe element.
 20. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein the wipe includes an aperture positioned to be penetrated by a projectile.
 21. The end assembly of claim 6, wherein the wipe is scored in a position to be penetrated by a projectile.
 22. A firearm noise suppressor, comprising a body having a front end; an end cap configured to be secured to the front end of the body and having an interior side and an exterior side; and a retainer configured to be detachably secured to the exterior side of the end cap to retain a wipe between the end cap and the retainer.
 23. The firearm noise suppressor of claim 19, wherein the end cap includes a forward-facing recess configured to receive a wipe.
 24. The end assembly of claim 20, wherein the forward-facing recess is formed by at least one sidewall that extends forward away from the recess and the retainer is configured to be detachably secured to the sidewalls of the forward-facing recess.
 25. The end assembly of claim 21, wherein the retainer is secured within the recess.
 26. The end assembly of claim 22, wherein there are threaded connections between the end cap and the front end of the body and between the end cap and the retainer.
 27. The end assembly of claim 23 wherein the end cap includes external threads along an outer edge which are configured to detachably secure the end cap to internal threads within a front end of a firearm noise suppressor.
 28. The end assembly of claim 19, wherein the end cap includes a plurality of external lugs.
 29. The end assembly of claim 19, wherein the retainer includes external threads along an outer edge which are configured to be detachably secured to internal threads on the sidewall of the forward-facing recess.
 30. The end assembly of claim 19, further comprising an elastomeric wipe element.
 31. The end assembly of claim 19, wherein the wipe includes an aperture positioned to be penetrated by a projectile.
 32. The end assembly of claim 19, wherein the wipe is scored in a position to be penetrated by a projectile.
 33. A method for replacing a wipe element in a firearm noise suppressor comprising the steps of: providing a suppressor with a forward end cap configured to be secured to a front end of the suppressor, the end cap having an interior side and an exterior side, a retainer configured to be detachably secured to the exterior side of the end cap to retain a wipe between the end cap and the retainer; removing the retainer from the end cap; removing the wipe element; inserting a second wipe; and securing the forward-facing retainer to the end cap to retain the second wipe. 